Hydrate Our Park: Water for All Walks of Life

At the heart of our community lies a well-loved public park, a vibrant space where children laugh on the playground, teens hone their skills at the skatepark, and families and seniors gather for basketball, pickleball, and tennis. It’s a place that brings people, and their pets together. But there’s something essential missing: a safe, clean, accessible water station.

Our idea is simple but powerful: install a multi-use outdoor hydration station in the park to serve everyone, athletes, children, dog walkers, and anyone enjoying the outdoors. The station will be inclusive for people of all ages and abilities, and for animals too.

This project is driven by a grassroots desire to improve daily life in our neighborhood. On hot days, families currently bring water bottles or leave early due to dehydration. Pet owners avoid longer walks due to lack of water access. Athletes and children spend hours in the sun without a reliable place to hydrate. Our goal is to remove these barriers, promoting health, sustainability, and community connection.

The funding from the Field Law Community Fund will be used to purchase and install a commercial-grade outdoor hydration station. The total project cost is approximately $10,000, depending on final installation and site preparation needs. Funds will cover:

The cost of a weather-resistant, ADA-compliant, pet-friendly water station

Site preparation and installation:

Optional signage promoting sustainability and community involvement

We have support from local volunteers and community groups who are ready to assist with minor prep and ongoing maintenance.

The pay-it-forward effect is significant. This hydration station will serve hundreds of residents weekly, from toddlers to seniors, skateboarders to dog walkers. It promotes environmental sustainability by reducing plastic bottle use, encourages physical activity, and supports pet welfare. By installing this simple piece of infrastructure, we make our park more welcoming, inclusive, and healthier for all.

Let’s give our community, and future generations one more reason to stay, play, and thrive in the park.

This project will directly benefit a wide and diverse range of community members who use our park and surrounding facilities daily. The park is not just a playground or sports area, it’s a hub of activity and connection that serves people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

The proposed water station will serve:

· Children and youth playing in the park, skatepark, or on the courts promoting safe, active outdoor time.

· Families and caregivers who spend hours at the playground or attending local events.

· Pet owners and dog walkers, with a dedicated pet bowl to keep animals cool and hydrated.

· Athletes and casual users of the basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts.

· Seniors and vulnerable residents using the walking paths or participating in local programs.

· Visitors attending events and activities at the Fieldhouse community centre, which hosts everything from youth groups and seniors' fitness to cubs, scouts, and family gatherings.

In addition to the park itself, the surrounding facilities make this hydration station even more essential. The park site is also home to a daycare and local library, both of which bring steady daily traffic from young children, parents, and community members. These groups often walk between

buildings or enjoy time outdoors, and access to clean drinking water supports comfort, safety, and well-being especially on hot days.

The park is also a central venue for community events, most notably Langdon Days, which draws well over 1,000 attendees annually. From live performances to local vendors and kids’ games, it’s a showcase of local spirit and a time when water access becomes more critical than ever.

We estimate that several hundred people per week will benefit from this hydration station during the regular season and well over 1,000 during peak events. The station will promote:

· Health and hydration

· Environmental responsibility (reducing single-use plastic)

· Accessibility for all

· Community pride and connection